Call it whatever you want, Char Koay Kak, Chai Tow Kuih or Char Kuey, all of them represent a Teochew dish loved by many. Chai Tow Kuih are radish cakes, first steamed then fried in a cast iron wok with generous amounts of garlic, bean sprouts, radish bits, chives, eggs, soy sauce and some chilli. The frying gives the beloved dish a “wok ki” and smells heavenly! Without further ado, here are 6 Mouthwatering Char Kuey To Try in Penang!
1. Mdm Ng’s Char Koay Kak
Mdm Ng’s Char Koay Kak is sold on an old-school food cart. Inherited from her mother, this stall has been in operations for over 60 years. Retaining the traditional methods of frying with charcoal and firewood, the Char Koay Kak is one to drool for! They are even served in cones made of banana leaves lined outside with newspapers!
Address: Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 7.30 am till finish
2. Eoh Sisters Char Koay Kak near Seow Fong Lye Coffee Shop
As with the above stall, the Eoh Sisters’ pushcart has been serving the community with delicious Char Koay Kak for over 50 years. The business was passed down by their father and now, three of the sisters operate the stall together to continue the legacy. They also sell traditional kuih beside the stall. Try out the Char Kuey with eggs for an extra creamy taste!
Address: 94C, Lorong Macalister, George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 7.30 am-1 pm [Days off are not fixed.]
3. Union Primary School Char Kway Kak
Right outside Union Primary School is a stall selling Char Kuey too. The uncle even offers to add on fresh oysters if you want a different variation of Char Kuey. The radish cakes are bite-sized, just nice for every mouthful, with a balance of sweet and saltiness.
Address: Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 7 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
4. Presgrave St. Hawker Stalls (3rd Rd.)
“The Char Koay Kak was amazing!” This is based on true reviews of customers who had a taste of this Pasai Malam Char Koay Kak. With a fine balance of ingredients, each bite is as tasty as it could be!
Address: 67-A Lebuh Presgrave, George Town, Penang Island, Malaysia
5. Chan Kok Ming Seafood Char Koay Kak
Seafood lovers must try this version of Char Koay Kak by Uncle Chan Kok Ming. The 70-year old is still manning his stall every day. Business is always busy and you can expect a queue. With generous portions of shrimps, squids, fish and even duck eggs, this 33-year old recipe has quite its share of loyal customers.
Address: Batu Lanchang Market, 33, Batu Lancang Highway, Taman Sri Damai, 10200 Jelutong, Penang.
Operating Hours: 1 pm to 7 pm
6. Penang Hill Cai Tao Kuih
Penang Hill Cai Tao Kuih is a little different. The steamed radish cakes are cut in rectangular strips, deep-fried till golden brown before being cut into cubes and served with sauces. Flocks of people would queue during mid-afternoon just to have Cai Tao Kuih as a snack!
Address: 463, Jalan Bukit Bendera, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 1 pm to 6.30 pm
While you’re at Penang, check out these Top 5 Breakfast Spots In Penang. It is afternoon tea-time but you have no idea what to snack on? Browse through our wide selection of foods at foodpanda. Psst, deliver a Cai Tao Kuih from Penang Hill la!